Phase 1 of the Royal Inland Hospital's redevelopment project recently began. The project includes the new $79.8 million Clinical Services Building.

"Once complete, the Clinical Services Building will feature new expanded clinical outpatient space, improved building access and additional parking that will benefit patients not only in Kamloops, but across the Interior," said Terry Lake, British Columbia's Minister of Health.

Preparations for the site include excavating the front lawn of the hospital and relocating hydro and other utility services.

The Clinical Services Building will provide expanded space for services including the UBC medical school and clinical educational program, expanded medical outpatient services, up to 350 additional parking stalls and a walkway connecting the new building to the main hospital.

Construction on the building is expected to start in spring 2014 and take approximately two years to complete. The site preparation is being completed by Delnor Construction.

Interior Health is currently in the process of selecting a preferred proponent to design and build the new building. Three proponents were shortlisted and asked to submit requests for proposals in late August.